Holiday fund drained by unexpected car repair

Single mom of two kids struggling to overcome financial setbacks

Nov. 24, 2012

Written by

News-Leader Staff

Share Your Christmas is the News-Leader’s annual campaign, in partnership with Crosslines, to give readers an opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others. Each day through Dec. 5, we’ll highlight families and individuals in need. Families can be adopted by a single donor, or donors can adopt just one family member or donate a single gift. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call the Holiday Center at 866-8008. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes. Gifts must be delivered to the Holiday Center at 3010 E. Sunshine St. in the Southern Hills Shopping Center by Dec. 17. To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines — with Share Your Christmas and the story number, if applicable, in the memo line — to P.O. Box 11247, Springfield, MO 65808 Email: newsstories@ccozarks.org

More

ADVERTISEMENT

No. 7: Car repairs wipe out funds

A number of financial setbacks have made it very difficult for this single mother to provide Christmas gifts for her three children. Mother is a full-time student at Ozarks Technical Community College. She will soon be completing her studies there and plans to transfer to Missouri State University. By working in the summer and using student loans and food stamps, she is able to pay her bills. In the past the grandmother helped with the extra expenses, like birthday and Christmas gifts. However, after grandmother died last year, the mother began to put aside money for gifts. That fund was wiped out, however, by some emergency car repairs. It is important that she have reliable transportation because the oldest daughter has regular appointments with a pediatric neurologist in Columbia. Also, the mother was informed that her son, who was in the custody of his father, was being abused. The state placed the son back with his mother, and she has been required to hire an attorney to represent her in family court. Legal fees are adding another financial burden for this family. The 14-year-old boy would like a wireless controller for an Xbox 360, science fiction movies and a hoodie. A mountain bike, “Twilight” dolls and a hoodie are the Christmas requests of the 12-year-old girl. The 8-year-old girl has put a bicycle, Monster High dolls and doll clothes on her gift list. Mother would like a hoodie or warm sweat pants and some cookware.

No. 8: Short of food at end of the month

These parents of three young children describe the past year and a half as a continuing struggle to provide adequate food and housing for their family. At one point, they were homeless and the children stayed with extended family members for several months so they would have a stable home and school environment. The family is now united in their own apartment, but even with food stamps they are often short of food by the end of the month. The mother is working full time at a minimum wage job, and her supervisor says she is a very good worker. The family doesn’t have a car, so mother has to find a ride to her job with co-workers. Dad continues to seek employment, but without a car or affordable child care it is difficult for both parents to work. Mother said she would like for the children “to have a wonderful Christmas because they have been through so much within the past couple of years and have done so with smiles on their faces. They are wonderful little souls.” The oldest child, a 10-year-old girl, would like a house for her Zuzu pets, “Twilight figures” and wheelie boots. The 7-year-old boy has asked for a remote-controlled car, Bionicle figures and wheelie shoes. The 3-year-old girl would enjoy the V-Tech learning console with games, as well as baby dolls. She needs shoes and socks. Household needs include light bulbs, clothes hangers, twin sheets and cleaning supplies. Mother needs a winter coat, and Dad needs socks and underwear.

No. 9: Blouse, shampoo on Christmas list

Springfield has been home for many years for this resident of a care facility. The staff members say she is a very pleasant woman but is quiet and prefers to stay in her room except for meals and to get her favorite treat, a Diet Dr Pepper. Her hair is quite long and she would like colorful scrunchies to wear. A short-sleeved blouse, Panteen shampoo and Diet Dr Pepper are on her Christmas list. She also needs pull-ups, sweat pants and socks.